Syrian govt forces advance south of Idlib

Villages taken over, Turkish observation post surrounded

DAMASCUS - Syrian state TV announced Friday that government forces had entered several villages in northern Hama province in their advance towards Idlib, the last province completely in the hands of opposition forces. Backed by the Russian Air Force, troops answering to President Bashar al-Assad have taken control of the villages of Latamneh, Latmeen, Kfar Zeita and Lahaya.

They have also taken Morek, where Turkish military are stationed at an observation post. Syria state TV reported the news without saying what had happened to the Turkish troops.